Mega: I Want To

Waterfowl

Waterfowl hunters will find some surprisingly good hunting in Vermont. The best waterfowling occurs in the Champlain Valley, where numerous public wetlands and private farmland provide excellent hunting for ducks and geese. Elsewhere, good waterfowl hunting can also be had in the Northeast Kingdom, on Lake Memphremagog and among its tributary rivers, and along the Connecticut River Valley and the associated oxbows and agricultural fields.

The Lake Champlain Zone, which includes Lake Champlain and the adjoining Champlain Valley lowlands in Vermont and New York,

The Connecticut River Zone which includes the Connecticut River and narrow portions of Vermont and New Hampshire and

The Interior Vermont Zone, which includes the remainder of Vermont.

Tips & Techniques

Ducks - During the October portion of duck season, most hunting is for "puddle ducks" on shallow-water marshes, beaver flows, ponds and rivers. The most common species are mallards, wood ducks, black ducks and greenwing teal.

As the season progresses and marshes begin to freeze in November, open-water hunting for migrating "diving ducks" on Vermont's larger lakes swings into full gear. Goldeneyes, lesser and greater scaup, and buffleheads are the most common diving ducks. Excellent hunting for goldeneyes and late-migrating mallards and black ducks can often be had from mid-November through the close of the season in December.

Geese - Both Canada geese and snow geese are frequently encountered in areas with farm fields that provide food in the form of waste grains and green grasses. Snow goose seasons are liberal, reflecting the record number of snow geese in the Atlantic Flyway. This includes a special Spring hunt.

Canada goose hunting is available during the September resident goose season and again from mid-October through November, when the migratory geese are present.